"I get bored easily and I look for ways for me to be creative," the actor, singer, writer and voice-over artist tells PEOPLE. "I'm always looking for things that are fun and new and exciting."

McCartney, 26, is known for his 2003 hit "Beautiful Soul" and his work on the television shows Army Wives, Greek and Summerland. But did you know he got his start in 1998 on All My Children? Or that he co-wrote Leona Lewis's hit "Bleeding Love"? And what about his time spent voicing video game and cartoon characters including Theodore in the popular Alvin and the Chipmunk films?

"Once in a while, I'll get a 40-year-old gamer and he'll say, 'I love that video game you did for the Japanese. I've spent 80 hours playing it,' " says McCartney. "And in the next room there'll be a 15-year-old girl who is a fan."

Sunday night's American Music Awards will basically be the ultimate concert as Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga and more prepare to hit the stage.

But before you sing along, get ready for the big show with the Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE! Digital Pre-Show, streaming below via Yahoo starting at 5 p.m.

Along with interviews from nominees, Jesse McCartney, the Jabbawockeez, Fifth Harmony, Aloe Blacc and Kurt Hugo Schneider are due to perform during the pre-show as Lance Bass, Jordin Sparks, Zendaya and fashion blogger Aimee Song play host. Watch now!

Jesse McCartney is barely out of his teens, but the Dream Street alum is diving headfirst into adulthood with a racy new R&B album and a collaboration with British pop star Leona Lewis.

"I certainly knew there was going to be some shock value," the 21-year-old told the Associated Press. "Musically, I definitely took a risk; I took a chance. I wanted to do something new. But it was also something that I knew I was comfortable with, and so I'm really happy"

And if raising eyebrows makes him happy, then he must be ecstatic over the first video single from his new album, "Departure." The well-received video, for "Leavin'," shows a lot of skin from both him and a bed-romping model.